Paul Ekon is a venture capitalist with a big heart. He has an extensive background in business dealings in his native South Africa, but he is also intimately involved in humanitarian causes and takes a personal interest in the welfare of orphans.

Humanitarian Causes

Paul Ekon helped establish a Soweto church, which doubles as a community center during the weekdays. Functioning as a community center, about 100 orphaned children receive food every day. More locations were added, bringing the centers where children could come for food handouts to four. Paul Ekon also built a large church hall for the Rhema Church, located in Soweto, in order to feed local hungry children.

Paul Ekon is a personal friend of South African President, Jacob Zuma, who he sees as a well-meaning individual who shares his own burden for the poor and underprivileged. According to an interview in the Financial Mail, the two meet in London for a meal about twice a year.

Business Background

Feeding children is not what Paul Ekon set out to do early in life. Born in Johannesburg, South Africa, he received an exclusive education at St. Stithians College Boarding School. After graduation, he enlisted in the South African military and spent the next two years in the Basic Air Force, participating in training programs and active service. Afterwards he turned to photography, a hobby that had turned into a passion.

His first job upon release from the military was working for the specialized defense force magazine called Paratus. Following his dream of being a professional photographer, he soon found himself in Los Angeles, where he relocated to take advantage of the fantastic opportunities for fashion photographers and to further his understanding of the trade. After gaining valuable professional experience, Paul Ekon returned to South Africa to start a new career.
By the time Paul Ekon returned to South Africa, he was familiar with the entertainment and food industry. The first businesses he opened upon arrival were related to the industries of food, beverage and entertainment. He became a restaurateur and opened several Johannesburg food establishments, including Hot Tin Roof, Harpers, and Walnut Grove.

With his new business experience, Paul Ekon moved into the toiletry market and began marketing such name brands as Jordache, Hang Ten, Chicco and Yvonne Chaka Chaka, and Barbara Barnard. This led him to yet another item in the consumer product market, door knobs and door handles. Until the cheaper Chinese items became available in South Africa, Paul Ekon did very well with this new venture.

In 1995, after selling the door handles and door knobs business, Paul Ekon became an investor in Management Technologies Inc, a computer company that is publicly listed, moved to the UK, and became the CEO of that company. The company’s chief products, Abraxsys and the OpenTrade family, which takes in TradeWizard, are software tools related to the desktop of an advanced trader.

Currently

At this time, Paul Ekon is based in London, where he manages his venture capital businesses in the Diamond Industry.